These days, there are purported audios and videos circulating on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. In these videos, some malicious individuals claim that there is an outbreak of 100 witch women going around sucking people’s blood in northern Nigeria.
The rumor was believed and shared by many concerned citizens, leading to the dissemination of misinformation among a large number of people.
In a particular audio, a man explained the emergence of some magical women assigned to be sucking people’s blood, cautioning the general public to refrain from assisting anyone who comes to their door seeking help.
Eventually, the fake story will create chaos in various communities where certain women are being falsely accused of witchcraft. In Kano, Katsina, and some other states, there have been several unconfirmed reports of vicious attacks on women that coincided with similar incidents.
I appeal to government authorities and traditional rulers in northern Nigeria to intervene in order to investigate the matter, put an end to the rumors, protect the accused women, and punish anyone responsible for such attacks.
Our ulamas and human rights groups should also create adequate awareness to eliminate the spread of disinformation in society, as it continues to increase day by day.
Nazir Muhammad Saulawa writes from Gombe and he can be reached via ajiyanwaka@gmail.com
